Pennsylvania DOT polls public online to gain transportation planning input

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking public feedback on transportation priorities and investments as part of an effort to update the state’s long-range transportation plan and develop Pennsylvania's first comprehensive freight-movement plan.

Available until May 30 at www.PAOnTrack.com, the online survey asks members of the public to identify their top transportation priorities, such as freight connections or pedestrian facilities. Survey takers then can rate how various state investment scenarios affect their top priorities and identify projects that could address transit, traffic congestion, bridges and other transportation needs.

The long-range and freight-movement plans will provide a strategic vision for investing in transportation assets to meet current and future transportation demands, PennDOT officials said in a press release. The plans' goals, objectives and recommendations will help guide the state’s future 12-year programs and regional long-range plans.

"PennDOT and its planning partners are constantly reviewing our transportation priorities, and we're once again asking the public to help us plan for the future," said PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch. "Input from our customers is vital in ensuring we have as much information as possible to make informed, long-term decisions."

The freight-movement plan’s development was recommended by the state’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission, which Gov. Tom Corbett created in 2011 to develop solutions to Pennsylvania’s transportation funding challenges. Following a yet-to-be-established public-comment period, the freight and long-range plans will be finalized in fall, PennDOT officials said.